For many people living with disability and their families, the decision to move away from home is a big one.
Barkuma offers a range of specialist disability accommodation services to support customers with independent living, right throughout adulthood – Supported Independent Living (SIL).
You can choose between shared housing or your own unit, allowing you to live independently in a supported community environment.
Enjoy choice and control over your life, living in your own home, where you can remain healthy and happy and maintain the things that are important to you.
Your home can be set up however you like, and you can host your friends and family whenever it suits you. There are opportunities to socialise and enjoy group activities if you feel like it. Relax with your neighbours over a barbecue at home or jump aboard for day trips to special events throughout Adelaide and the Hills.
For families, there is peace of mind that their loved one can maintain independence in the home of their choice. Barkuma supports customers to live their best life by assisting with everyday tasks, self-care, developing new daily living and life skills, and supporting you as your needs change.
Raechel Barber, Executive Manager of Accommodation Programs and Outcomes at Barkuma, can see the positive impact of independent living in a village environment, “It allows customers to live by themselves in a one or two-bedroom unit, but also gives them the opportunity to be part of a small community where they can choose to socialise or withdraw to their own space, depending upon how they feel. And because it’s their own home, they’re able to set up their space in a way that is meaningful to them.”
Karen Negus, Manager of Accommodation and Respite adds, “We are very respectful of the fact that that is somebody’s home.”
Barkuma’s disability accommodation in Adelaide northern suburbs, offers easy access to public transport, shopping, health services and recreation.
Barkuma will work closely with you, your family and your network to provide Supported Independent Living (SIL) that suits you. The team work with you to develop your skills and achieve your goals to ensure you live your all. They understand that circumstances can change and will assist you to get the most out of your NDIS funding.
Many customers receive 24/7 SIL support. Overnight support varies depending on your requirements. Passive support involves staff members sleeping in their own space onsite overnight, in case of emergency. Active support means that a team member will stay awake to offer ongoing support.
Karen explains, “In the morning, a Barkuma team member will start the daily routine of medication support, support to make their breakfast and getting ready for the day. That can range from full support to just prompting and reminding.”
Karen adds, “Throughout the day, support may include making sure that people get to their appointments on time making, help with daily activities, weekly menu planning, shopping and meal preparation. So it’s all very much working with, not working for. It’s really important that our staff are support workers, not care workers – we’re supporting people to live their all.”
Do you have questions or want to know more? We’d love to hear from you. Contact Barkuma on (08) 8414 7100 or visit barkuma.com.au/contact-us/